Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development Section Four ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE SITE LEVEL Summary ...............................................................................................................................................ii 4.1 Benefits of Environmental Protection at the Site Level .................................................................4-1 4.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................4-2 4.3 Legal Requirements.......................................................................................................................4-2 4.4 Best Management Practices..........................................................................................................4-3 4.4.1 Community and Watershed Context ..................................................................................4-3 4.4.2 Detailed Site Inventory.......................................................................................................4-3 4.4.3 Site Planning and Design ..................................................................................................4-4 4.4.4 During Development ..........................................................................................................4-9 4.4.5 Protection After Development ..........................................................................................4-10 4.4.6 Restoration and Enhancement of Degraded Habitats .....................................................4-11 4.4.7 Stormwater Management .................................................................................................4-11 4.4.8 Erosion and Sediment Control .........................................................................................4-12 4.4.9 Wildfire Considerations ....................................................................................................4-13 4.4.10 Wildlife Human Conflicts ..................................................................................................4-14 4.4.11 Pollution Prevention .........................................................................................................4-14 4.5 Useful Sources ............................................................................................................................4-15 Appendix 4-1: Definitions ......................................................................................................................4-18 Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Ecosystem Standards and Planning Biodiversity Branch 4 THIS IS PART OF A SERIES OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DOCUMENTS June 2004
Transcript
Environmental Best Management Practicesfor Urban and Rural Land Development
S e c t i o n Fo u rENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING ANDDEVELOPMENT AT THE SITE LEVELSummary ...............................................................................................................................................ii
4.1 Benefits of Environmental Protection at the Site Level .................................................................4-1
Ministry of Water, Land and Air ProtectionEcosystem Standards and PlanningBiodiversity Branch
4
THIS IS PART OF A SERIES OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DOCUMENTS
June 2004
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4-iiJune 2004
COMMUNITY AND WATERSHED CONTEXT■ Plan site development in a community context
DETAILED SITE INVENTORY■ Identify environmental features before designing
the development■ Identify hazard lands
SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN■ Avoid development in sensitive areas■ Design the development to retain important
ecosystem features ■ Design the development to retain important
ecosystem functions■ Retain buffers around sensitive areas■ Connect habitat areas with wildlife corridors■ Design the site to maintain the hydrology and
water quality■ Plan trails carefully ■ Create ‘green’ buildings
DURING DEVELOPMENT■ Protect ecosystem features and functions during
construction■ Use natural landscaping techniques
PROTECTION AFTER DEVELOPMENT■ Retain natural ecological processes■ Monitor environmental impacts
RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT■ Restore and enhance habitats ■ Avoid or minimise the use and spread of non-
native vegetation, especially invasive plant species
CREATION OF NEW HABITATS■ Create new habitats in rural areas■ Create and maintain habitats in urban areas
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT■ Put water back in the ground■ Preserve or improve water quality■ Hold back water through rate control or detention
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL■ Develop an erosion and sediment control plan■ Control erosion and sediment during
construction
WILDFIRE CONSIDERATIONS■ Reduce risk from wildfires
WILDLIFE HUMAN CONFLICTS■ Site developments to avoid conflicts■ Remove or reduce wildlife attractants
SummaryBest management practices for environmental planning and development at the site level include:
4-1Environmental Best Management Practices
for Urban and Rural Land Development
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Environmental Planning and Development at the Site Level
This section of Environmental Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural LandDevelopment is written for people who are responsible for urban and rural landdevelopment at the site level— local governments, the development community andlandowners.
Sections 5–7 discuss urban and rural land development on sites that are highly sensitive,because they are environmentally sensitive areas, habitats for special wildlife and speciesat risk, and/or aquatic and riparian ecosystems. This section discusses environmentalplanning and development for other urban and rural development sites. Although thesesites may be deemed less environmentally sensitive, they may still play a significant rolein the local environment and are important for biodiversity and community greenspace.
Site-level planning should reflect community and landscape level planning, as discussedin Section 3: Environmental Planning at the Community Level.
4.1 BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AT THE SITE LEVEL
Good environmental planning at the site level brings many benefits to the community,the local government and the developer. For example:
■ Retention of trees and green space helps to increase property values and createproperties that are more desirable;
■ Integrated stormwater management can reduce the costs associated with traditionalstormwater management approaches;
■ Urban trees provide services such as reducing air pollution, cooling in the summerand protection from winter storms as well as providing habitat for birds and bats thatkeep insect populations in check; and
■ Walking and cycling pathways in communities encourage reduced use of vehicles(helping to reduce greenhouse gases) and provide a community that people enjoyliving in.
For more information, see Appendix A: Benefits of Environmental Protection.
ÓWildlifeÓ includesall wild plants ANDanimals.
Woodpeckers likestanding dead trees.
PHOTO: TRUDY CHATWIN
DEVELOPERS BENEFIT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION■ Higher prices: Homeowners are willing to pay a premium of 5Ð15% (and sometimes more) for
properties near natural open space (Quayle and Hamilton 1999, Curran 2001). ■ Faster approvals: Developers can spend a great deal of time (and money) in the approvals
process. Where a proposed development has clear environmental benefits, it is more likely to have
public support and approval, and will move faster through the approval process (Curran 2001). ■ Faster sales: Houses sell more quickly where they are close to greenspace. For homebuyers,
access to natural open space is one of the most important features in a residential neighbourhood
(Quayle and Hamilton 1999, Curran 2001).■ Marketing edge: The U.S. National Association of Homebuilders encourages the planting of trees
because this increases the marketability of new developments (Petit 1998). For more information, see Appendix A: Benefits of Environmental Protection.
Noreen Dennis
Noreen Dennis
4-2Environmental Best Management Practices
for Urban and Rural Land Development
4.2 OBJECTIVES
Local governments and the development community should meet the followingenvironmental objectives during urban and rural land development:
■ Develop and implement site plans that protect biodiversity, clean air and clean water, forthe benefit of the current and future residents and the flora and fauna of the community;
■ Gather inventory information that identifies: - All environmentally sensitive areas1 on and near the site, including terrestrial,
aquatic and riparian ecosystems;- All known species at risk on and near the site, including both federally-listed and
provincially-ranked species; - Wildlife corridors;- Hazard lands, including areas subject to flooding, erosion, wildfire and ‘problem’
wildlife; and- Hydrology and soil morphology.
■ Design developments that protect and enhance environmentally sensitive areas,habitat for plants and animals (including common species and species at risk) andwildlife corridors, including concentrating developments in alternate sites wherenecessary;
■ Locate developments away from areas that may be subject to erosion, flooding,wildfires and undesirable human-wildlife encounters;
■ Prevent and manage adverse effects on the air, water and land quality throughpollution prevention, management of stormwater, and waste management; and
■ Work with the community to maximise the benefits of good environmental planningat the community and site level.
Local governments should address these issues within their Official Community Planand other planning and public consultation processes. Developers should be able todemonstrate to local governments and the public how they have addressed theseconcerns and incorporated them into their development before, during and after theconstruction process.
4.3 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Urban and rural land developments at the site level are governed by several Acts andregulations:
■ The British Columbia Wildlife Act provides protection for all wildlife. ■ The B.C. Fish Protection Act and Streamside Protection Regulations regulate setbacks
from streams and other watercourses.
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THE MINISTRYÕS GOALS ARE TO:■ Maintain and restore the ecological diversity of fish and wildlife species and their
habitats; and ■ Protect the environment and human health and safety by ensuring clean and safe
water, land and air.
1Definitions are provided in Appendix 4-1 and in the Glossary
■ The federal Species at Risk Act provides for the protection of federally listed species atrisk and their critical habitats.
■ The federal Fisheries Act provides penalties for destruction or degradation of fishhabitat, including sediment and riparian clearing.
■ The federal Migratory Bird Convention Act provides penalties for possessing birds or nests. ■ The Canada Wildlife Act prohibits possession or harming wildlife (including plants)
except as permitted by regulations.
4.4 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Best management practices for site-level environmental protection are centred onplanning and designing to minimise environmental impacts, ensuring environmentalprotection during and after construction, and where possible enhancing and restoringnatural features. The impacts of development will vary according to the type ofecosystem and site-to-site considerations, so the advice of an appropriately qualifiedprofessional is recommended.
4.4.1 Community and Watershed Context
PLAN SITE DEVELOPMENT IN A COMMUNITY CONTEXT
Decisions made at a site-by-site level can affect the natural environment well beyondthe boundaries of that site. The cumulative impact of seemingly innocuous decisions atthe site level can cause major—and frequently unintended—results.
Proposals for land development at the site level should consider the potential impactson the environment at the larger scale. How is the site in question part of theenvironmental ‘big picture’? What impacts would changing the hydrology of an areahave on downslope floodplains, wetlands and aquatic ecosystems? Would thedevelopment fragment wildlife habitat or affect wildlife movement patterns?
þ Ensure that site level plans and design meet or exceed the environmental goals andobjectives at the community or watershed level. If there are no specified communityor watershed level plans, ensure that the site development will not negatively impacton neighbouring properties.
þ Identify potential off-site impacts prior to development, and design the developmentto avoid or mitigate these impacts.
4.4.2 Detailed Site Inventory
IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES BEFORE DESIGNING THE DEVELOPMENT
Environmental mapping and inventory should be conducted before designing thedevelopment layout and before initiating land clearing activities.
þ Gather available information from community or regional level mapping andinventories, including local government environmental atlases where they exist.Information may be available about the site through Sensitive EcosystemInventories, Fish Wizard, Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping, Ministry of
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The StreamsideProtectionRegulation iscurrently underreview. For moreinformation seehttp://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/habitat/fish_protection_act/index.html
Water, Land and Air Protection regional websites and other regional and localinformation sources (see Appendix B: Sources for Environmental Mapping andInventory). Not all maps and inventories are digitally available—seek out otherdocumented information including unpublished sources.
þ The Conservation Data Centre (CDC) is also a useful source of information foridentifying known and potential occurrences of special wildlife or species at risk inyour area (you can request information on species of concern for a specific area).Coverage by the CDC is not equally good in all areas so be aware that a lack ofCDC listing does not mean the species is not found in that location.
þ Review available information to determine whether additional information needs tobe gathered. Remember that regional mapping is at a scale that may miss importantsites—just because no environmentally sensitive area is identified does not meanthat there are no ecological values on that site. Lack of inventory also does notindicate a lack of sensitive habitats or species.
þ If the available information is inadequate for site level planning (or has gaps), have adetailed bio-inventory of the site prepared by an appropriately qualifiedprofessional. The report should include identification of all environmentallysensitive areas, important wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors, the presence of anyspecies at risk, recommended buffers, links to adjacent greenspaces, site hydrology,soil morphology and other information. Note that the timing of the bio-inventory isimportant, as some species may only be visible or may only use the area at certaintimes of year. In some cases it may be necessary to inventory the site in more thanone season to fully assess its ecological values. For suggested Terms of Reference forthe development of a bio-inventory, see Appendix C: Terms of Reference for Bio-Inventory.
þ Provide the results of the bio-inventory to the local government, and any findings ofspecies at risk to the Conservation Data Centre and regional Ministry of Water,Land and Air Protection species at risk staff.
þ If community level information is not available, use air photos or other means toidentify ecological values on surrounding lands.
IDENTIFY HAZARD LANDS
Use terrain stability mapping and floodplain mapping to identify potential hazard areas.
4.4.3 Site Planning and Design
AVOID DEVELOPMENT IN SENSITIVE AREAS
þ Design the development to avoid sensitive areas and their buffers (see below).
þ For aquatic and riparian ecosystems (e.g. wetland, streamside and coastal areas),environmentally sensitive areas, and habitat areas for special wildlife and species atrisk, follow the identified best management practices (see Sections 5–7).
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þ Work with the local government to identify suitable planning tools and incentives toprotect sensitive areas and buffers. Options may include:
■ Conservation covenants■ Parkland dedication■ Management agreements■ Acquisition by the local government or a land trust■ Density transfer or bonusing
For more information see Giving It Away: A Guide to Best Practices for ConservationCovenants, The HAT Manual: Protecting Natural Areas in the Capital Region, the Eco-gifting website and Green Legacies: A Donor's Guide for B.C.
DESIGN THE DEVELOPMENT TO RETAIN IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEM FEATURES
To protect ecosystems—and the plants and animals that live in them—we need toprotect the ecosystems’ features AND functions.
þ Consider cluster housing to maximise retention of greenspace and sensitive habitats.
þ Design the site to maintain treed fence lines, hedgerows and windbreaks, and ensurethat they are connected to forest patches, backyard habitats and/or large habitatreservoirs. They form wildlife corridors and edge habitat for many wildlife species.
þ Design green patches to maximise habitat values. In general, round patches providebetter interior habitat, which is vital for some native birds that depend on forestinteriors for protection from predators, nesting and/or feeding. Along streams, longstrips of habitat provide wildlife corridors as well as habitat for many native species.
þ Design buildings, infrastructure and other development so that established trees canbe retained, with enough distance to protect the root systems. The tree’s ‘drip line’(the extent of the branches) can be used as an approximate guide to the area of rootsystems. Mature trees add to the property value.
þ If hazard trees need to be removed, follow the guidelines of the Best ManagementPractices for Hazard Tree and Non-Hazard Tree Limbing, Topping or Removal.
þ Avoid fragmenting1 wildlife habitats.
þ Develop a ‘site map’ of these features to be referred to during construction.
DESIGN THE DEVELOPMENT TO RETAIN IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS
þ Maintain natural hydrologic cycles in wetlands, ponds, streams and natural seepageareas to retain biodiversity and wetland function.
þ Build well away from floodplains and allow natural flooding cycles to occur so thatflood-dependant ecosystems can persist. Some wildlife species depend on theecosystems that develop in response to natural flooding.
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Ecosystem featuresare the physicalattributes that createmany different typesof habitat for differentspecies. For example,snags (standing deadtrees), ground cover,and large woodydebris in streams areall ecosystem features.
Ecosystem functionsare the processesthat keep anecosystem operating.Examples includeinfiltration of surfacewater, evapo-transpiration, andnutrient cycling.
1 For a discussion of fragmentation, see Section 3.4.4: Ecosystem and Species Protection
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TABLE 4-1: TARGET BUFFER DISTANCES
This table provides suggested minimum buffer distances for some species and ecosystems. Thesedistances are based on scientific research and professional observation, and are intended to minimisedisturbance to the species or ecosystem in question. The target buffer for undeveloped lands is largerthan for rural and urban lands. In undeveloped areas, animals have likely had less contact with humansand are less tolerant of human presence. In urban areas, the distances are smaller, recognising thatspecies and ecosystems have likely developed greater tolerance to human activity, and also that thehigh demand for land may preclude large buffers. During their breeding season, birds are especiallysensitive to activities such as machine landscaping and construction. If construction is taking placeduring the breeding season, the ÔquietÕ buffer is an additional buffer that should be used.
Sensitive Feature Measure buffer from
Target Buffer Distances
Undeveloped Rural Urban
Breeding season
"quiet" buffer
Eagle nestsOther Raptors nestsGreat Blue Heron nests
Amphibians
Reptiles
Riparian protection areas along all watercoursesWetlands
Sensitive ecosystemsSpecies at risk
Bear habitat
Moose/elk/bighornsheep habitat
The base of the treeThe base of the tree; cliff top or baseA line drawn around the outer perimeter of all nest treesOuter perimeter of wetlands under fully saturated conditionsSnake hibernacula; prime habitatsTop of Bank or high water mark if bank undefinedMeasured from the outer perimeter Measured from the outer perimeterFollow the Recovery Plans or, where not available, an appropriately qualified professionalÕs recommendations for each speciesEspecially dens, primary feeding areas and travel corridors
Especially high use areas Ð wetlands, winter and summer habitats
200 metres500 metres
500 metres
150 metres
150 metres
60 metres
150 metres
200 metres
100 metres200 metres
200 metres
100 metres
100 metres
60 metres
100 metres
60 metres
100 metres200 metres
200 metres
1 1/2 tree lengths1 1/2 tree lengthsor 50m from cliff
60 metres
30 metres
30 metres
Follow StreamsideProtection Regulation30 metres
30 metres
Minimum block size of 20 ha
including critical habitats
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
500 metres
1 2 3 4
6
5
7
8
9
10 11 12
13
14
4-7Environmental Best Management Practices
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RETAIN BUFFERS AROUND SENSITIVE AREAS
Buffers are a leave area around a sensitive feature. Their purpose is to provideprotection for that core feature by reducing the impact of potentially adverse effectsfrom the outside. This can include access by humans and their pets, changes inmicroclimate, access by predators, etc. Buffers help to maintain the long term values—both environmental and economic—of an environmentally sensitive area.
Buffers should preclude permanent structures AND promote the retention of naturalvegetation as part of the buffer.
þ Establish buffers around all sensitive features. Target buffer widths are provided inTable 4-1. The Ministry also advises using an appropriately qualified professional toidentify buffer widths, as circumstances may vary on a site by site basis.
þ For Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Special Wildlife and Species at Risk andAquatic and Riparian Ecosystems, see the information provided in Sections 5–7.
þ In new developments, buffers should be of sufficient width to discourage access byhumans and their pets to the environmentally sensitive area, reduce invasion byalien species and protect interior habitats from degradation. The width of the bufferwill depend on its purpose and the sensitivity of the habitat you are trying toprotect.
þ In brownfield developments and re-developments, buffers should be as wide aspossible to facilitate renewal of natural processes. Restoration of natural vegetationshould be encouraged.
þ Where park land is adjacent to the proposed development site, buffers should beplaced as needed to prevent unacceptable impacts within the park.
þ Set aside buffers as Crown or local government land where possible, as this makeslong-term protection easier. For other options for the protection of these areas, seeAvoid development in sensitive areas, Section 4.4.3. If the buffer is on private land,it should be protected and enforced using a conservation covenant or similar tool.
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The Ministry of Water,Land and AirProtection estimatedthat one LowerMainland communitycould have avoidedstormwater floodingdamage of about $2.5million on one streamalone had riparianbuffers been left inplace (MWLAP 2001).
KEY TO TABLE 4-11
ÒUndevelopedÓ applies to large tracts of undeveloped forest or grasslands, that are being developed into 5 hectareor smaller lot sizes.
2 ÒRuralÓ applies to lots sizes from 1-5 ha that are being further subdivided.
3ÒUrbanÓ applies to lots 1 ha or less that are being further subdivided.
4This is an additional buffer that should be used if land contouring or construction is taking place during nesting season.
5One and a half times the height of the tree.
6See Best Management Practices Guidebook for Raptors in British Columbia for species-specific recommendations.
7Ross Vennesland, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2004. pers comm..
8See Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles for species-specific recommendations.
9 See Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles for species-specific recommendations.
10Millar et al 1997.
11Top of Bank is defined in the Glossary.
12This applies whether or not the watercourse is fish-bearing.
13This includes ephemeral (seasonally dry) wetlands as well as open bodies of water. If amphibians or other speciesare present, use the largest of the suggested buffer widths. (Semlitsch and Bodie 2003).
14Where identified regionally.
Noreen Dennis
4-8Environmental Best Management Practices
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CONNECT HABITAT AREAS WITH WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
þ Maintain and create wildlife corridors between the natural areas on thedevelopment site and those on adjacent properties. Riparian areas and natural gulliesoften function well as wildlife corridors. Other areas such as utility corridors andgolf courses may provide corridors for some species.
DESIGN THE SITE TO MAINTAIN THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
See also Section 4.4.7: Stormwater Management.
þ Design the site so that the natural hydrological cycles (hydrographs) are maintainedduring and after development. Note that considerable baseline data may be neededto assess pre- and post- development conditions.
þ Incorporate features that will minimise the amount of impervious surface andencourage groundwater recharge, such as narrower road widths, vegetated swales andpervious paving materials. For more details, see Stormwater Planning: A Guidebookfor British Columbia, Chapter 7.
x Do not use local streams or wetlands for unmanaged stormwater discharge as theincreased flows can significantly increase erosion.
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WILDLIFE CORRIDORSÒWildlife corridors provide animals with an opportunity to move freely between two or more habitatpatches or habitat types in an otherwise fragmented landscape. This movement is essential toprovide genetic links between populations and prevent inbreeding, and to compensate for temporarypopulation declines in one of the habitat patches. The habitat needs of all priority species should beincorporated into the design of the corridor. Corridors must be suitably wide, with appropriate habitatfeatures to provide security cover during movement. Corridors usually consist of linear habitats suchas streamside riparian areas, often composed of two or more ecosystem types to provide complexityto the corridor. Development and roads should avoid these zones, and mitigation will be requiredwhere roads and other developments transect the corridorÓ (Clarke et al 2004).
IMPACTS OF IMPERVIOUS SURFACESWhen rain falls on a forest floor, less than 1% flows directly overland intowatercourses. About 55% soaks into the ground, moving into the groundwater ortravelling through the ground into lakes and streams. About 45% is absorbed byplants or evaporates from the ground. Land development changes this waterbalance, creating hard impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots and roofs.Following development, about 25%Ð75% of the rainfall goes directly into thestream via storm drains. This may create problems in the stream as the increasedwater quantity can cause erosion and destroy wildlife habitat, while the waterquality deteriorates if the stormwater contains oils and other pollutants from theroads and driveways. Groundwater supplies also suffer as there is lessgroundwater recharge. (Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia)
Trails in natural areas provide opportunities for the enjoyment of nature. However:
þ Design trails and other accesses to avoid sensitive features such as ponds, wetlands,nesting sites and wildlife corridors.
þ Ensure that trails do not fragment wildlife habitats.
þ Keep hiking trails and walkways narrow so they do not prevent a barrier tomovement of wildlife (such as reptiles and amphibians) and use elevated boardwalksor install “toad tunnels” to cross travel corridors.
þ For more information on designing trails near sensitive features, see Access NearAquatic Areas: A Guide to Sensitive Planning, Design, and Management and BestManagement Practices for Recreational Activities on Grasslands.
CREATE ‘GREEN’ BUILDINGS
þ Construct buildings to conform with LEED™ (Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design) standards for ‘green’ buildings. For information on fundingand standards for the building and retrofit of green buildings, see the GreenBuildings B.C. program. For information on LEED™, see the LEED (Leadershipin Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.
4.4.4 During Development
Protection of existing ecosystems is MUCH cheaper than ecosystem enhancementand restoration. And, in many cases, it is not technically possible to restoreecosystems to their original functioning state.
PROTECT ECOSYSTEM FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION
þ Construct permanent or temporary fencing around sensitive features and theirbuffers.
þ Restrict land clearing or development activities between April 1 and July 31, toavoid disturbance or destruction during the active nesting period of most birdspecies, in compliance with the Wildlife Act (section 34c). Note that some species ofbirds have multiple broods and may be nesting outside of this time period.
þ Retain as much natural vegetation as possible. Minimise the size of the cleared arearequired for construction.
þ Prevent any disturbance within the root zone (drip line) of established trees.
þ Preserve snags, downed logs, stumps and other forest features unless they present adanger to workers or the public. Consider topping any identified danger tree (at 5m to 10 m or more) as an alternative to removal, and retaining this as a wildlifetree. Where hazard removal is unavoidable, the work should be as non-intrusive aspossible. Felled trees should be left on the ground to provide habitat for wildlifeincluding a wide variety of invertebrates. Note that a hazard tree assessor is the onlyqualified professional for assessing danger trees, but that this assessor may not be
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sensitive to wildlife needs. For more information see Best Management Practices forHazard Tree and Non-Hazard Tree Limbing, Topping or Removal.
USE NATURAL LANDSCAPING TECHNIQUES
þ Use salvaged woody debris (logs, stumps) to enhance habitat in preserved patchesand along wildlife corridors. This minimises disposal costs and enhances wildlifevalues.
þ Use native plants and trees (suited to local climatic and terrain conditions) forlandscaping as much as possible. This will minimise the possibility of introducingan invasive species, and will save money on maintenance costs as native species willbe adapted to local climates (e.g. areas of summer drought or winter cold).
þ Where possible use native plantings on public lands to demonstrate to residents thebenefits of native plantings for maintenance and as wildlife habitat (i.e. demonstrate“Naturescape” principles).
x Never use any invasive species (e.g. English ivy, English holly, periwinkle, purpleloosestrife, etc.) in landscaping, as these could spread into nearby natural areas anddisplace native vegetation and wildlife. As much as possible, remove any invasivespecies that are already on the development site. For more information see the AlienSpecies website.
þ Use drought resistant species and very small lawns to minimise watering needs.
þ Retain the natural soils and put them back onsite during landscaping.
þ Ensure that all lawn areas have at least six inches of topsoil replaced afterdevelopment is complete. This will promote deeper-rooted lawns and plants thatwill require less water in summer and be able to absorb more stormwater in winter.
þ Reduce soil compaction by avoiding machinery use except where necessary.
þ Obstruct pet access to sensitive habitats by constructing fencing and maintainingdense shrubby vegetation.
4.4.5 Protection After Development
RETAIN NATURAL ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Ecosystems, and the species that live in them, may be dependant on natural processessuch as nutrient cycling, frequent or infrequent fires, or flooding.
þ Ensure that the natural (pre-development) hydrological cycles are maintained duringand after development. Changes in drainage patterns may impact wildlife, forexample by putting year-round water into an area where species are adapted tosummer droughts or by changing the quality of the water.
þ Consider (where applicable) the development of plans that include low-intensityground fires. Many species that inhabit these ecosystems need the old, open standsthat were common to parts of British Columbia prior to current fire managementregimes. Controlled burns must only be carried out by an appropriately
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qualified professional. Frequent controlled burns will not be as hot as wildfires,posing considerably less risk to nearby homes. Controlled burning should beconducted as part of a well planned ecological restoration program within thecontext of the site being treated.
MONITOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
þ Develop monitoring programs to ensure designed terrestrial habitat protectionmeasures are functioning as expected and implement changes where needed.
þ Discourage activities that will damage natural ecosystems, such as throwing gardenwaste into ravines (which can destabilise slopes and cause slumping).
þ Control recreational access to natural grassland areas, as even walking can damageboth vegetation and thin soils. For further information on recreational activities ongrasslands see Best Management Practices for Recreational Activities on Grasslands.
4.4.6 Restoration and Enhancement of Degraded Habitats
Some development sites have degraded habitats with the potential for restoration. Thefollowing best management practices provide guidance on restoration efforts.
RESTORE AND ENHANCE DEGRADED HABITATS
þ Work with an appropriately qualified professional to develop a site restoration planfor the specific site(s) being restored. This will include determining the appropriatestate to restore the ecosystem to—for example, in a rural area the goal may be to re-create the natural ecosystem, whereas in a highly urbanised area the goal may be lessambitious.
˛ Allow natural succession to proceed with minimal intervention or disturbance unlessactive management is needed to enhance or maintain habitat value or to control trees orbrush that pose fire or safety hazards.
þ Avoid and minimise the use and spread of alien vegetation, especially invasive plantspecies
þ Discourage the occurrence and spread of invasive species. Active control methodsinclude hand clearing, pruning, mowing, digging, and planting of appropriatenative species to replace or shade out invasive species. Ongoing maintenance may berequired.
4.4.7 Stormwater Management
Below are some of the principal best management practices for stormwater managementat the site level. For detailed information on stormwater planning and management,refer to the guidelines from Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia(especially Chapter 7), Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works and the WaterBalance Model.
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þ Establish performance targets for stormwater that are consistent with StormwaterPlanning: A Guide for British Columbia.
þ Retain natural water flows. Changes in surface drainage and groundwater flowpatterns may adversely impact aquatic and riparian ecosystems and destabilise thebanks. Changes in flow can also impact previously dry gullies by introducingseasonal flows.
þ Minimise the amount of impervious surfaces by installing alternatives to asphalt forlaneways, driveways, walkways, patios, etc. and building narrower roads.
þ Encourage groundwater recharge through the use of vegetated swales, infiltrationbasins and the use of absorbent vegetation, and by disconnecting downspouts(where the terrain permits).
PRESERVE OR IMPROVE WATER QUALITY
þ Create engineered wetlands to filter pollutants before they can enter streams or creeks.
þ Provide vegetated waterways (swales) or other measures to prevent the movement ofroad salts and other contaminants into sensitive habitats.
þ Ensure that pollutants such as oil and other hydrocarbons are removed by oil/waterseparators before they enter the groundwater or streams.
þ Minimise, or better yet avoid, the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
HOLD BACK WATER THROUGH RATE CONTROL OR DETENTION
þ Use the Water Balance Model to assess stormwater volumes and identify appropriatesource controls.
4.4.8 Erosion and Sediment Control
Erosion and sediment control can be a significant issue on construction sites, as loss ofmaterials from exposed soils can lead to charges under the Fisheries Act as well ascreating problems with drainage systems.
Effective erosion and sediment control requires the use of a variety of techniques. Formore information consult the Water Quality Municipal Best Management Practices forConstruction Design website and/or hire an appropriately qualified professional.
DEVELOP AN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
þ Develop a plan for erosion and sediment control before construction begins. Theplan should include:
- Best management practices for source control and removal of contaminants from site runoff;
- Detailed direction to contractors to ensure that no erosion or sediment movement will occur and that no silt will be released to watercourses during the constructionand post construction phase; and
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Lost Streams: Studiesin the Lower FraserValley show that ofthe original 779streams, 117 nolonger exist, and thatÒmost of theremaining 662streams are undersignificant stress dueto landscapealterations inwatersheds, riparianzone degradation,and pollution, and areclassified asthreatened orendangered.Ó (FraserRiver Action Plan1997)
- The planting appropriate of native plant species of a size that will quickly re-establish riparian cover.
þ In the construction and post-construction sediment and erosion control plan,recommend that an environmental consultant or other responsible party:
- Provide monitoring to ensure the sediment and erosion control plan is properly implemented during the course of clearing and construction;
- Ensure construction will proceed smoothly without harmful alteration of habitat; and- Provide long-term monitoring for disturbed sites until green-up is established and
the soils at the site are stable.
þ If sensitive habitats may be at risk during the construction and development stage,hire an appropriately qualified professional to assist in planning and monitoring.Environmental consultants and monitors should be given the authority to halt allwork if in their opinion on-site conditions will result in impacts to sensitive habitats.
CONTROL EROSION AND SEDIMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION
þ Construct and stabilise runoff management systems at the beginning of sitedisturbance and construction activities.
þ Minimise disturbed areas and stripping of vegetation and soils, particularly on steepslopes, and stabilise denuded soils as soon as possible. Re-vegetate promptly oncefoundation work is complete
x Do not open up sites when the weather is likely to be rainy or during snowmelt.Retain as much of the natural vegetation cover as possible.
þ Require stabilised site entrances with provisions to prevent tracking of mud anddebris off site.
þ Roughen and/or terrace slopes to prevent erosion.
þ Ensure proper containment and disposal of concrete wash water.
þ Use temporary coverings (plastic sheets) for soil stockpiles and bare slopes, andsurface mulches, including leaves and straw, to provide erosion control fromraindrop erosion. Control of sheet, rill and gully erosion requires management ofsurface flows.
x Avoid the collection, conveyance and concentration of surface water by encouragingit to seep into the soil.
þ Inspect the construction site regularly to determine compliance with requirements.
4.4.9 Wildfire Considerations
Wildfires are a natural process of B.C.’s forests and grasslands. For detailed informationon reducing risk from wildfires, see FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire.
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The GreaterVancouver RegionalDistrictÕs StormwaterBest ManagementPractices Guideincludes manyrecommendations forerosion and sedimentcontrol.http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/sewerage/management_guide.htm
þ Install sprinkler systems in new homes that are close to areas of wildfire hazard.
þ Support the restoration of natural disturbance regimes in local forests so that fuelloadings and the risk of crown fires are reduced.
þ Minimise the build up of fuels (wood piles, deserted out buildings, etc.) in andaround home sites.
þ Rake up litter close to homes as an additional fire prevention/restoration tool.
þ With an appropriately qualified professional, investigate options for prescribedburning. Note: Burns close to homes can be hazardous and, improperlymanaged, can do more harm than good. They should only be conducted withprofessional advice.
4.4.10 Wildlife Human Conflicts
When we build communities, we do so in places that are the homes of many differentspecies of wildlife. Native plants and trees are replaced by roads, building and lawns,and many of the reclusive animals die out or move elsewhere. Some ‘pest’ speciesremain, or move in to the area, to benefit from the human activities. ‘Garbage bears’and opportunistic wildlife such as racoons can become a problem.
SITE DEVELOPMENTS TO AVOID CONFLICTS
x Do not build on or near wildlife corridors and other well-frequented wildlifehabitats (especially those used by large predators such as bear and cougar, and otherpotentially dangerous species such as rattlesnakes).
þ Recognise that old orchards can attract bears and other wildlife and locatedevelopments accordingly.
þ Consider possible wildlife conflicts when siting trails around or near developments.
REMOVE OR REDUCE WILDLIFE ATTRACTANTS
þ Minimise human-wildlife conflicts, for example by harvesting orchards that mayattract problem bears. For more information on ways that communities have dealtwith problem bears, see Get Bear Aware.
þ Build covered areas for garbage that are designed to keep out problem species suchas bear, skunk and rats. Spilled garbage attracts crows and raccoons, which prey onsensitive wildlife such as reptiles, amphibians and songbirds. Recent amendments tothe Wildlife Act make it illegal to improperly manage garbage.
4.4.11 Pollution Prevention
For best management practices on pollution prevention see Section 8: PollutionPrevention.
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Conservation Data Centre http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/index.html
Conservation Data Centre known occurrences: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/access.html
Conservation Data Centre data requests: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/request.html
Conservation Data Centre report of findings: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/contribute.html
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventories (http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/sei/index.html) are currently available forEast Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands; Sunshine Coast; Bowen and Gambier Islands; CentralOkanagan; and Bella Vista Goose Lake (North Okanagan).
Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping (part of the Community Mapping Network):http://www.shim.bc.ca/maps2.html
Resource Information Standards Committee http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/risc/standards.htm
For area-specific inventories see Appendix B: Sources for Environmental Mapping and Inventory.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
These Best Management Practices documents will be posted on the Ministry of Water, Land and AirProtection website (http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/BMP/bmpintro.html) in the near future. Some draftsare available for review on other websites, or from Ministry offices, as noted below. Comments on thesedrafts can be sent to Marlene Caskey ([email protected]) or Dr. Grant Bracher([email protected]).
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Best Management Practices for Recreational Activities on Grasslands
Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in BritishColumbia: http://www3.telus.net/public/leahmalk/BMP.pdf
Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/sry/iswstdsbpsmarch2004.pdf
Best Management Practices Guidebook for Raptors in British Columbia: Guidelines for integrating raptorconservation with urban and rural developments
Best Management Practices for Hazard Tree and Non-Hazard Tree Limbing, Topping or Removal. Ministryof Water, Land and Air Protection, Okanagan Region. Penticton, B.C. For a copy contact SusanLatimer, [email protected]
To contact regional Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection offices seehttp://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/main/prgs/regions.htm
STEWARDSHIP PUBLICATIONS:
All of the publications in the Stewardship Series are available athttp://www.stewardshipcentre.bc.ca/sc_bc/stew_series/bc_stewseries.asp. These include:
Access Near Aquatic Areas: A Guide to Sensitive Design, Planning and Management Coastal Shore Stewardship: A Guide for Planners, Builders and DevelopersGreen Legacies: A Donor's Guide for B.C. Naturescape: British Columbia: Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home Stewardship Options for Private Land Owners in British Columbia
TOOLS FOR NATURAL AREA PROTECTION
Habitat Acquisition Trust. 2004. The HAT Manual: Protecting Areas in the Capital Region. HabitatAcquisition Trust, Victoria, B.C. http://www.hat.bc.ca/projects/planning.htm
Hillyer, A. and J. Atkins. 2000. Giving It Away: A Guide to Best Practices for Conservation Covenants.West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation, Vancouver, B.C.http://www.wcel.org/resources/publications/default.cfm
SMART GROWTH
Curran, D. and M. Leung. 2000. Smart Growth: A Primer. Smart Growth British Columbia andUniversity of Victoria Eco-Research Chair of Environmental Law and Policy, Victoria B.C.http://www.smartgrowth.bc.ca
Smart Growth B.C. 2001. The Smart Growth Toolkit: Helping to create more livable communities inBritish Columbia. For this and other Smart Growth B.C. publications, seehttp://www.smartgrowth.bc.ca
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Alien species in British Columbia: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/aliensp/index.html
Fraser Basin Council. 2004. Invasive Plant Strategy for British Columbia. Fraser Basin Council,http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT:
Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbiahttp://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/mpp/stormwater/stormwater.html
Water Balance Model: http://www.waterbalance.ca
WILDFIRE
FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire:http://www.partnersinprotection.ab.ca/downloads/
WILDLIFE
Get Bear Aware: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/eeeb/info/bearaware/home/index.htm
GREEN BUILDINGS
Green Buildings B.C. program: http://www.greenbuildingsbc.com/
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™:http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
Atkins, R.J., M.R. Leslie, D.F. Polster, M.P. Wise and R.H. Wong. 2000. “Best Management PracticesHandbook: Hillslope Restoration in British Columbia.” Watershed Restoration Technical Circular No.3 (Revised). B.C. Ministry of Forests. Victoria, B.C.http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Mr/Mr096.htm
Coulter, T. S. and D. R. Halladay. 1997. “Control of Erosion and Shallow Slope Movement Manual.”Unpublished report prepared by Thurber Environmental Consultants Ltd. for B.C. Ministry ofTransportation and Highways, Victoria, B.C.
Greater Vancouver Regional District. 1999. Stormwater Best Management Practices Guide.http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/sewerage/management_guide.htm
United States Department of Agriculture. 1994. Planning and Design Manual for the Control ofErosion, Sediment and Stormwater. http://www.abe.msstate.edu/csd/p-dm/index.html
Water Quality Municipal Best Management Practices website:http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/nps/BMP_Compendium/Municipal/Municipal_Home.htm
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Alien species: Plants, animals and micro-organisms from one part of the world that are transportedbeyond their natural range and become established in a new area. They are sometimesalso called "exotic," "introduced," "non-native," or "non-indigenous" species. Somealien species are also invasive species.
Appropriately qualified professional: A scientist or technologist specialising in a relevant applied scienceor technology including, but not necessarily limited to, agrology, forestry, biology,engineering, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or landscapearchitecture, and who is registered in British Columbia with their appropriateprofessional organisation, and acting under that association’s Code of Ethics and subjectto disciplinary action by that association, and who, through demonstrated suitableeducation, experience, accreditation and knowledge relevant to the particular matter,may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within their area of expertise.
Bio-inventory: A detailed site assessment that documents plant communities, aquatic and wildlifehabitat values, aquatic and wildlife species presence (or likelihood of presence), sensitiveecosystems, rare ecosystems, rare species, adjacent land uses and threats, site stabilityand flood issues, other factors affecting lot layout, and where appropriate, potentialhabitat enhancement/protection opportunities. Terms of reference for a bio-inventoryare included in Appendix C: Terms of Reference for a Bio-Inventory.
Buffer: An area of land that surrounds and protects a sensitive feature from the adverse effectsof activities on, or encroachments from, adjacent land.
Edge habitat: The point at which dissimilar plant communities (different vegetation types,successional stages or vegetative conditions) meet. Many species have adapted to theinterface between the two habitats.
Ecosystem features: The physical components of the ecosystem (such as snags and large woody debris)that help maintain the diversity and processes associated with a healthy ecosystem.
Ecosystem functions: The physical, chemical and biological processes that keep an ecosystem operating.Examples include infiltration of surface water, evapo-transpiration and nutrient cycling.
Environmentally sensitive area: A term often used loosely to mean a site or area that has environmentalattributes worthy of retention or special care. A more exacting definition is: any parcelof land that already has, or with remedial action could achieve, desirable environmentalattributes. These attributes contribute to the retention and/or creation of wildlifehabitat, soil stability, water retention or recharge, vegetative cover and similar vitalecological functions. Environmentally sensitive areas range in size from small patches toextensive landscape features. They can include rare or common habitats, plants andanimals. Areas requiring special management attention to protect fish and wildliferesources, other natural systems or processes, and/or historical, cultural or scenic values.Environmentally sensitive areas also include hazard lands.
Fragmentation: A process whereby large contiguous ecosystems are transformed into one or moresmaller patches surrounded by disturbed areas.
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Groundwater recharge: The movement of rainwater down through the soil and into the groundwaterand aquifers beneath.
Habitat reservoir: A large area of relatively natural habitat that has sufficient size and ecological integrityto support a range of native species, including species that need interior habitats. Thesize of habitat reservoir depends on the species being managed for. Habitat reservoirsare often hotspots of biodiversity in or near disturbed urban and rural landscapes.
Hazard lands: Lands that may be subjected to terrain hazards (flooding, landslides, debris flows,avalanches, etc.)
Hydrology: The science of water, its properties and movement (water cycle) over and under landsurfaces.
Impervious surface: Hard surfaces that do not permit water to flow through to the ground beneath.
Interior habitat: A point where edge effects no longer influence environmental conditions within anecosystem. The effects usually involve light intensity, temperature, wind, relativehumidity and snow accumulation and melt. In a forest ecosystem, edge habitat is oftenconsidered to extend at least 200 m and for some species up to 400 m from the edge ofthe forest, so very large patches are needed before ‘interior habitat’ is present.
Invasive species: Plants, animals and micro-organisms that colonise and take over the habitats of nativespecies. Most invasive species are also alien (non-native) to the area, and can becomepredominant because the natural controls (predators, disease, etc.) that kept theirpopulations in check in their native environment are not found in their new location.
LEED™: The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building RatingSystem™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.
Naturescape: A way of restoring, preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat in urban and rurallandscapes by providing wildlife habitat in our homes and gardens. See the Naturescapewebsite for details.
Soil morphology: The form and structure of the soil, including its mineral and biological (dead organicmatter) content.
Species at risk: A species that has been defined as ‘at risk’ by either the federal or provincialgovernment.
� Federally listed: The federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife inCanada (COSEWIC) maintains a list of species listed as extirpated, endangered,threatened or of special concern. These species are protected under the Species at Risk Act.
� Provincially ranked: The British Columbia government maintains a ranking of speciesconsidered to be “red-listed” and “blue-listed” in this province.
Wildlife corridor: A travel corridor for wildlife. This ranges from very wide, natural corridors for largemammals, to ‘sky corridors’ that offer a safe flight path between feeding and restingplaces for birds, to smaller man-made corridors (such as urban trails) that provide safepassage for smaller creatures. These corridors also provide year-round habitat for lessmobile species.
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Wildlife trees: A standing live or dead tree with special characteristics that provide valuable habitat forthe conservation or enhancement of wildlife. Characteristics include large diameter andheight for the site, current use by wildlife, declining or dead condition, value as aspecies, valuable location and relative scarcity.
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